Okay, letís get this straight.
We appreciate the X-Typeís strong powertrain, grippy chassis and all-season usability. But if we learned anything from our yearlong test of Coventryís entry-level cat, it was that we didnít feel as special behind the wheel as we anticipated. Oh, we tried to make our car stand out. We washed. We waxed. We got sideways. No one (except the gazillion other X-Type owners) noticed. Much too late (for us, not you), we discovered help was a mere ocean away, in the form of Jochen Arden.

Ardenís Jaguar association began as a dealer in 1982. Today, his Krefeld, Germany-based company (arden.de) engineers and produces cosmetic and engine upgrades, as well as everything in between, for the entire Jaguar line. Ardenís U.S. affiliate, XKs Unlimited in San Luis Obispo, California, stocks a range of parts for the S-Type, XK, earlier XJs (a product line for the new aluminum XJ arrives shortly) and X-Type.

The Arden conversion, which XKs completes in about a day (expect to pay around $1,300 for paintwork and installation), works wonders for the stock X-Typeís runt-of-the-litter aura; the car of choice for upwardly mobile 30-somethings no longer looks so out of place in the CEOís parking space. With its poised-to-strike stance, chunky bodywork and gurgling exhaust note, the baby Jag at last possesses enough panache and, yes, exclusivity, to match the rest of the marqueís line.

__________________
Stacy94PGT
My first car was a 67 Mustang Coupe, 2nd one was a 67 Cougar XR-7, 3rd one was a 66 Mustang Coupe. Why did I get rid of these cars for ? I know why, because I'm stupid, stupid, stupid.

The AutoGuide.com network consists of the largest network of enthusiast-owned enthusiast-operated automotive communities.

AutoGuide.com provides the latest car reviews, auto show coverage, new car prices, and automotive news. The AutoGuide network operates more than 100 automotive forums where our users consult peers for shopping information and advice, and share opinions as a community.